Thursday, April 23, 2009

Such a well argued and refreshing point about the possibilities of a post-Lee Kuan Yew PAP. It is definitely healthy to see this analysis emerging at academic events like these. Let's hope there is more of this in the future.

SINGAPORE: A People’s Action Party (PAP) split by internal schisms. Future leaders bereft of the "huge political legitimacy" that could be gained from endorsement by the man with unmatched moral and historical authority. These are some of the leadership fates that could befall a post—Lee Kuan Yew Singapore, as hotelier Ho Kwon Ping sees it.

And such "imponderable" scenarios could help explain why a "system of elders" is now taking shape in the political landscape.

"Perhaps it is to restrain factionalism, arbitrate disagreements, groom and assess future leaders, that the positions of senior minister and minister mentor have been institutionalised," said Mr Ho, who feels the PAP’s "extraordinary cohesion" over five decades has owed much to "the forceful personality of Lee Kuan Yew".

Of this future, Prof Mahbubani, who Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, would not rule out a "significant reversal" of Mr Lee’s legacy, or the rise of a stronger Opposition usurping the one dominant party system — though he gave each scenario only a "one—sixth probability".

While a "smooth and seamless transition" was a two—thirds likelihood, Prof Mahbubani harked back to the words of former Deputy Prime Minister Goh Keng Swee, after the PAP’s long monopoly of parliament was broken in 1981. "As (Dr Goh) has wisely told us, failure happens when we fail to consider the possibility of failure."

So, for instance in the unlikely event of a strong opposition arising, would Mr Lee’s legacy be weakened? In fact, the "sharper political debates" arising could make Singaporeans more aware of the "precious political legacy they have enjoyed", said Prof Mahbabuni.

On the other hand, as has happened in South Korea and Taiwan, it could also lead to the old legacies being quickly lost and forgotten by the new generation. "I am frequently shocked when I meet younger Singaporeans who have never heard of Dr Goh," he said.

Both speakers were not alone in expressing uncertainty over how Singapore’s future, sans Mr Lee, would play out. During the Q&A session, which was off—the—record, the audience raised concerns such as how the country would be deprived of its most astute and influential critic — and whether Mr Lee’s legacy, or indeed Singapore, could unravel.

While Mr Lee’s retirement would "create a huge political vacuum", Prof Mahbubani believes Singapore has "done a lot" to protect his legacy, such as instilling a deep culture of meritocracy and incorruptibility.

And Mr Ho had no doubts Singaporeans could "muddle their way through", even if the PAP’s leadership renewal "fails to deliver what it has done for the past 50 years".

Mr Lee’s greatest legacy, he said, "is that the Singapore which he so passionately shaped will outlive not only him, but even his own party, should that ever come to pass".

The reason: In his single most critical imperative — nation building — Mr Lee has largely succeeded, said Mr Ho, who has found young Singaporeans to own a strong sense of involvement and ownership in the country, contrary to stereotype.

"Equally contrary to some people’s wishful thinking, there is not likely to be dramatic, broad—brush social or political liberalisation," said Mr Ho. "This is not a pent up society waiting for the demise of the strongman in order to overturn highly unpopular laws."

Rather, the government has the support of the politically—vital heartland in its pragmatic, incremental approach to change, even as it responds to tomorrow’s generation, he said.

Friday, April 17, 2009

It is simple really. Australia has a boat people problem because they are too lenient with these people. After suffering persecution, terror and possibly loss of life at home, the dangers that these boat trips pose pales in comparison. Get through those tough seas between Indonesia and the northern tip of Australia and everything will be aye okay.

But reintroduce caning and these people will think twice. There is no need to debate about where Liberal or Labour had a better policy to deal with these refugees. John Howard proclaimed loudly that Australia will choose who comes onto this island. He subsequently blew millions of taxpayer dollars and housed all the refugees on Nauru.

Caning is certainly a cheap and no-frills option to solve these problems. There is nothing like a nice whack on the butt that splits some tender skin to remind these people that coming on shore to the land of Kangaroos is forbidden. If I am a refugee, I will really reconsider my trip down south if I realize that Australia has a zero tolerance, cane all boat people policy.

In this world where every country practices realism, there is no need for Australia to champion any sort of human rights or sympathy. Talks with Indonesia and Malaysia will be futile because these countries just won't care. They have their multitude of problems to take care of and boat people using their country as a springboard into Australia is least of their worries. Besides, the boat people are NOT entering their country so why should they care?

Hence, the only way out for Australia is to introduce draconian measures to put people off taking a boat in. With such a vast coast to police, it will be a huge waste of resources and money to chase every stray fishing boat. Let them in, cane them and send them back. It is as simple as that. Really.

One only has to look to Singapore as an example. Singapore has a problem with overstayers and illegal immigrants as well. Yes, some still test their luck, but Singapore canes them all and as a result, these people look to their backside to remind themselves that illegally entering that island is a no-no.

Australia cannot afford to have a half hearted policy on refugees anymore. With sympathizers and hardlines lock in a web of disagreement, more of such dramatic pictures of boat people streaming in will continue to dominate the front page. It is time to take a stance.

Does Australia tolerate refugees or not? Are they allowed in or out? There is no room for thoughts like "hmm these people really shouldn't be around, but then again they are really suffering, we should let them in'.

In or Out. Australia must decide. If it is the latter, then the cane must be unleash to deal with such adventurous immigrants.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Conceived in Sydney in 2007 and introduced to the globe in 2009, the inventors of Earth Hour must be delighted with how their quirky campaign is spreading like wildfire .

So delighted are they that they probably advertised their success on websites, sent out emails to praise the world's efforts and most damningly of all, jet around in private planes to thank world leaders.

Certainly, Earth Hour has raised awareness around the planet that our Mother Earth needs some saving.

However, by merely shutting of the lights around major cities for an hour, it serves only to please the aesthetical beings amongst us.

Honestly, how many people even care?

Every day, thousands of kilowatts are put to waste. The habit among big companies to leave their lights and computers running even after the last soul has left the office is downright ridiculous. Not to mention society as a whole, where people can't be bothered to off the tap while showering, throw plastic wrappers immediately after using and crush precious white sheets of paper after a misprint.

These are actions that needs correcting. An hour dedicated to Earth is simply not enough to change our way of life.

Man still have that selfish thinking that as long as we are not paying, we can just waste.

A more applaudable effort will be to enforce punitive measures to curb such wastage. More campaigns to raise awareness about our environment is not only going to cost us more, it is also going to contribute further to the demise of our Earth.

The sooner the world recognizes the ineffectiveness of Earth Hour, the higher chance we humans have of not living in a furnace.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Old man’s bottle mishap leads to his death

A SINGAPOREAN died of heart failure after his penis became stuck in a soft drink bottle, reported Sin Chew Daily and China Press.

The incident happened when the 77-year-old man used the bottle to masturbate.

China Press reported that the senior citizen got his private part into the bottle and only sought help after his penis could not be dislodged from the bottle despite trying various ways such as applying soap water.

Doctors tried to alleviate the man’s suffering by cutting the bottle below the neck but to no avail because by that time, the skin around the penis had started to become inflamed, causing him to be unable to urinate.

His misadventure later led to other medical complications causing his death.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Staying in the dorm is part and parcel of university life. In countries where their sovereignity stretch for miles, the dorm is a place where students call their home away from home. In Singapore, dorms just don't have the same feel because we are so small.

Over the last two weeks, the concept of dorm living just got dimmer. Students who decided to have a bit of fun ran stark naked from one building to another and were labelled 'streakers'. Certainly, this label is too harsh on a few tertiary students having some fun?

To make matters worse, they were expelled forever from the joy that a dorm life can bring. Seriously, a lesser punishment will suffice?

The naked mile is not something special or exclusive to Singapre dorms. In Australia, UK or the States, dozens of college students do this mile bi-annually. It has become something of a culture, with peals of laughter at the end. In Singapore, frowns persist and hands are not raised to cheer but to condemn these wrong-doers to eternal shame.

As we start to mature as a society, surely we can be abit more accomodating? Worse things go on in Singapore dorm rooms. Stories of sexual escapades, flings and all sorts of other illicit activities fill the corridors. Surely these offenses are worse?

Yet, as long as these stories of vice and sex remain uncovered, these naked mile runners will be the most shocking thing that has ever rocked Singapore's "conservative" dorms.

Before we start vilifying this group of fun-loving streakers, perhaps we should start documenting what goes on behind closed doors at dorms in Singapore.